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"Really what we're trying to do is get about that much better," the Baltimore Ravens' newly promoted offensive coordinator said Monday afternoon, hours after Cam Cameron was fired.

"That's what we're shooting for. It's not a system change," added Caldwell, who spoke for about 90 seconds but didn't take questions from news reporters. "It's not a philosophical change."

Nonetheless, it's a significant course correction from one of the NFL's steadiest franchises, one that would have already secured an AFC North title and remained viable for a first-round playoff bye if it had been "that much better."

Since erupting for a franchise-record 55 points in a Nov. 11 thrashing of the Oakland Raiders, the Ravens' production has dipped to 19.3 points and 322.5 yards a game.

Without a 63-yard punt return from Jacoby Jones on Nov. 18 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and a magical fourth-and-29 conversion from Ray Rice in the waning minutes at the San Diego Chargers the following weekend, Baltimore likely would be riding a four-game losing streak rather than its current two-game slide.

Even though the Ravens (9-4) remain on the cusp of a fifth consecutive playoff berth, coach John Harbaugh said goodbye to Cameron, who had been in his position since Harbaugh took over in 2008.

"The move was made to give us the chance to be the best we can be," Harbaugh said. "It's what's best for the team at this time."

Harbaugh indicated it was an organizational decision that came less than 24 hours after Baltimore's 31-28 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins. He declined to say if owner Steve Bisciotti or general manager Ozzie Newsome had pushed for the change.

"You come to these (decisions) when you come to them," said Harbaugh, who was unwilling to share if he had been mulling the move for some time. "When the point comes when you feel like it's the best thing to do, you do it."

Harbaugh offered no insight into the offensive problems. He said he was satisfied with Rice's workload, even though the all-pro running back projects to have nearly 50 fewer touches than he did in the previous two seasons.

The coach said quarterback Joe Flacco, who isn't signed beyond this season, had no input on the decision. Harbaugh was careful to praise Cameron's body of work while saying that Flacco, who has fumbled eight times this season, needs to improve his pocket awareness.

"The solutions are right here in the room," Harbaugh said.

Caldwell guided the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl berth three years ago but was swept out as part of their overhaul Jan. 17, then latched on as the Ravens quarterback coach two weeks later.

Though he has not been a play-caller in the NFL, he's charged with steadying a unit that always has lived in the shadow of the team's defense and has been plagued by inconsistency, especially on the road, where Flacco has been far less effective.

Throw in four turnovers the last two games — including a costly fourth-quarter fumble by Flacco against the Steelers in a Week 13 loss that ended Baltimore's 15-game home winning streak and an ugly interception at Washington — and matters clearly came to a head.

"It's always tough to lose when you have games won," Rice said after Sunday's loss. "But we do still have a bright future in front of us. We are going to continue to chop away, whatever you want to call it, to get better each week."

Easier said than done. The remaining opponents — Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals — are jockeying for playoff positioning or berths. Each presents a formidable defensive challenge.